A Statistical Model of Current Loops and Magnetic Monopoles

We formulate a natural model of loops and isolated vertices for arbitrary planar graphs, which we call the monopole-dimer model. We show that the partition function of this model can be expressed as a determinant. We then extend the method of Kasteleyn and Temperley-Fisher to calculate the partition function exactly in the case of rectangular grids. This partition function turns out to be a square of a polynomial with positive integer coefficients when the grid lengths are even. Finally, we analyse this formula in the infinite volume limit and show that the local monopole density, free energy and entropy can be expressed in terms of well-known elliptic functions. Our technique is a novel determinantal formula for the partition function of a model of isolated vertices and loops for arbitrary graphs.

Thermal and spectroscopic investigations of glasses in the system PbO-PbCl2-PbBr2

Glass formation has been examined in the system 15PbO.xPbCl(2).(85-x)PbBr2 (where 0 <= x <= 25)where the PbO concentration is kept constant while PbCl2 and PbBr2 concentrations are varied. The glasses have been examined using thermal and spectroscopic techniques. T-8, Delta C-p, refractive index, optical basicity have been found to remain unaffected by the composition which is a curious feature of these glasses. It is found that there is a wide infrared window available for use in the investigated glasses. The IR window extends from 1000 to 1500 cm(-1) and in glasses where PbCl2 is less than 20 mol%, the window extends up to 2260 cm(-1). X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) revealed that the 4f(5/2) and 4f(7/2) peaks due to f-level transitions have a constant difference in energies, but with energy and FWHM values that varying sensitively and systematically with composition. The observations are discussed and suitable explanations are provided.

A TDMA-based Energy Aware MAC (TEA-MAC) Protocol for Reliable Multicast in WSNs

Multicast in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is an efficient way to spread the same data to multiple sensor nodes. It becomes more effective due to the broadcast nature of wireless link, where a message transmitted from one source is inherently received by all one-hop receivers, and therefore, there is no need to transmit the message one by one. Reliable multicast in WSNs is desirable for critical tasks like code updation and query based data collection. The erroneous nature of wireless medium coupled with limited resource of sensor nodes, makes the design of reliable multicast protocol a challenging task. In this work, we propose a time division multiple access (TDMA) based energy aware media access and control (TEA-MAC) protocol for reliable multicast in WSNs. The TDMA eliminates collisions, overhearing and idle listening, which are the main sources of reliability degradation and energy consumption. Furthermore, the proposed protocol is parametric in the sense that it can be used to trade-off reliability with energy and delay as per the requirement of the underlying applications. The performance of TEA-MAC has been evaluated by simulating it using Castalia network simulator. Simulation results show that TEA-MAC is able to considerably improve the performance of multicast communication in WSNs.

Homogeneous isotropic superfluid turbulence in two dimensions: Inverse and forward cascades in the Hall-Vinen-Bekharevich-Khalatnikov model

We present the first direct-numerical-simulation study of the statistical properties of two-dimensional superfluid turbulence in the simplified, Hall-Vinen-Bekharevich-Khalatnikov two-fluid model. We show that both normalfluid and superfluid energy spectra can exhibit two power-law regimes, the first associated with an inverse cascade of energy and the second with the forward cascade of enstrophy. We quantify the mutual-friction-induced alignment of normal and superfluid velocities by obtaining probability distribution functions of the angle between them and the ratio of their moduli.

Dependence of shear yield strain and shear transformation zone on the glass transition temperature in thin film metallic glasses

The dependence of shear yield strain, the activation energy and volume of shear transformation zone on the glass transition temperature was investigated through the analysis of statistical distributions of the first pop-in events during spherical indentation of four different thin film metallic glasses. Only the Cu-Zr metallic glass exhibits a bimodal distribution of the first pop-in loads, whereas W-Ru-B, Zr-Cu-Ni-Al and La-Co-Al metallic glasses show an unimodal distribution. Results show that shear yield strain and activation energy of shear transformation zone decrease whereas the volume of shear transformation zone increases with increasing homologous temperature, indicating that it is the activation energy rather than the volume of shear transformation zone that controls shear yield strain. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Looking for BSM physics using top-quark polarization and decay-lepton kinematic asymmetries

We explore beyond-standard-model (BSM) physics signatures in the l + jets channel of the t (t) over bar pair production process at the Tevatron and the LHC. We study the effects of BSM physics scenarios on the top-quark polarization and on the kinematics of the decay leptons. To this end, we construct asymmetries using the lepton energy and angular distributions. Further, we find their correlations with the top polarization, net charge asymmetry and top forward-backward asymmetry. We show that when used together, these observables can help discriminate effectively between SM and different BSM scenarios, which can lead to varying degrees of top polarization at the Tevatron as well as the LHC. We use two types of colored mediator models to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed observables, an s-channel axigluon and a u-channel diquark.

Electrolithography- A New and Versatile Process for Nano Patterning

We report a new lithography technique based on electromigration driven material transport for drawing patterns at nanometer scales in ambient conditions. We use a thin metal film as a masking layer and a polymer layer beneath it as a pattern transfer layer. The desired pattern is drawn in the metal layer by etching the metal with a conducting scanning probe assisted by liquid electromigration. The pattern drawn on the metal layer is transferred to the polymer layer by etching the polymer with an appropriate solvent. Subsequently, the pattern is transferred to the desired material layer using a film deposition technique followed by conventional lift-off process. Using this simple technique, we have achieved pattern resolutions of 9 nm on the polymer and 40 nm on transferring the pattern to another material. Based on the ease of use and process costs, this technique promises to be competitive to e-beam lithography that employs high energy and ultra-high vacuum, or the industrial standard ultra-violet light photolithography that employs extremely expensive implements to reach nano-scale resolutions. We also demonstrate direct mask writing using this technique and explain the fundamentals behind the workings of the developed method.

Use of polydispersity index as control parameter to study melting/freezing of Lennard-Jones system: Comparison among predictions of bifurcation theory with Lindemann criterion, inherent structure analysis and Hansen-Verlet rule

Using polydispersity index as an additional order parameter we investigate freezing/melting transition of Lennard-Jones polydisperse systems (with Gaussian polydispersity in size), especially to gain insight into the origin of the terminal polydispersity. The average inherent structure (IS) energy and root mean square displacement (RMSD) of the solid before melting both exhibit quite similar polydispersity dependence including a discontinuity at solid-liquid transition point. Lindemann ratio, obtained from RMSD, is found to be dependent on temperature. At a given number density, there exists a value of polydispersity index (delta (P)) above which no crystalline solid is stable. This transition value of polydispersity(termed as transition polydispersity, delta (P) ) is found to depend strongly on temperature, a feature missed in hard sphere model systems. Additionally, for a particular temperature when number density is increased, delta (P) shifts to higher values. This temperature and number density dependent value of delta (P) saturates surprisingly to a value which is found to be nearly the same for all temperatures, known as terminal polydispersity (delta (TP)). This value (delta (TP) similar to 0.11) is in excellent agreement with the experimental value of 0.12, but differs from hard sphere transition where this limiting value is only 0.048. Terminal polydispersity (delta (TP)) thus has a quasiuniversal character. Interestingly, the bifurcation diagram obtained from non-linear integral equation theories of freezing seems to provide an explanation of the existence of unique terminal polydispersity in polydisperse systems. Global bond orientational order parameter is calculated to obtain further insights into mechanism for melting.

Structure and Dynamics of Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane Confined between Mica Surfaces

Using a molecular model for octamethylcydotetrasiloxane (OMCTS), molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to probe the phase state of OMCTS confined between two mica surfaces in equilibrium With a reservoir. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out for elevations ranging from 5 to 35 K above the melting point for the OMCTS model used in this study. The Helmholtz free energy is, computed for a specific confinement using the :two-phase thermodynamic (2PT) method. Analysis of the in-plane pair correlation functions did not reveal signatures of freezing even under an extreme confinement of two layers. OMCTS is found to orient with a wide distribution of orientations with respect to the mica surface, with a distinct preference for the surface parallel configuration in the contact layers. The self-intermediate scattering function is found to decay with increasing relaxation times as the surface separation is decreased, and the two-step relaxation in the scattering function, a signature of glassy dynamics, distinctly evolves as the temperature is lowered. However, even at 5 K above the melting point, we did not observe a freezing transition and the self-intermediate scattering functions relax within 200 ps for the seven-layered confined system. The self diffusivity and relaxation times obtained from the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts stretched exponential fits to the late alpha-relaxation exhibit power law scalings with the packing fraction as predicted by mode coupling theory. A distinct discontinuity in the Helmholtz free energy, potential energy, and a sharp change in the local bond order parameter, Q(4), was observed at 230 K for a five-layered system upon cooling, indicative of a first-order transition. A freezing point depression of about 30 K was observed for this five-layered confined system, and at the lower temperatures, contact layers were found to be disordered with long-range order present only in the inner layers. These dynamical signatures indicate that confined OMCTS undergoes a slowdown akin to a fluid approaching a glass transition upon increasing confinement, and freezing under confinement would require substantial subcooling below the bulk melting point of OMCTS.

A comparison of winter pre-heating requirements for natural displacement and natural mixing ventilation

In winter, natural ventilation can be achieved either through mixing ventilation or upward displacement ventilation (P.F. Linden, The fluid mechanics of natural ventilation, Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics 31 (1999) pp. 201-238). We show there is a significant energy saving possible by using mixing ventilation, in the case that the internal heat gains are significant, and illustrate these savings using an idealized model, which predicts that with internal heat gains of order 0.1 kW per person, mixing ventilation uses of a fraction of order 0.2-0.4 of the heat load of displacement ventilation assuming a well-insulated building. We then describe a strategy for such mixing natural ventilation in an atrium style building in which the rooms surrounding the atrium are able to vent directly to the exterior and also through the atrium to the exterior. The results are motivated by the desire to reduce the energy burden in large public buildings such as hospitals, schools or office buildings centred on atria. We illustrate a strategy for the natural mixing ventilation in order that the rooms surrounding the atrium receive both pre-heated but also sufficiently fresh air, while the central atrium zone remains warm. We test the principles with some laboratory experiments in which a model air chamber is ventilated using both mixing and displacement ventilation, and compare the energy loads in each case. We conclude with a discussion of the potential applications of the approach within the context of open plan atria type office buildings.

The preparation, characterization and tribological properties of TA-C : H deposited using an electron cyclotron wave resonance plasma beam source

A compact electron cyclotron wave resonance (ECWR) source has been developed for the high rate deposition of hydrogenated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:H). The ECWR provides growth rates of up to 900 Å/min over a 4″ diameter and an independent control of the deposition rate and ion energy. The ta-C:H was deposited using acetylene as the source gas and was characterized in terms of its sp3 content, mass density, intrinsic stress, hydrogen content, C-H bonding, Raman spectra, optical gap, surface roughness and friction coefficient. The results obtained indicated that the film properties were maximized at an ion energy of approximately 167 eV, corresponding to an energy per daughter carbon ion of 76 eV. The relationship between the incident ion energy and film densification was also explained in terms of the subsurface implantation of carbon ions into the growing film.

Normal shock boundary layer control with various vortex generator geometries

Various vortex generators which include ramp, split-ramp and a new hybrid concept "ramped-vane" are investigated under normal shock conditions with a diffuser at Mach number of 1.3. The dimensions of the computational domain were designed using Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes studies to be representative of the flow in an external-compression supersonic inlet. Using this flow geometry, various vortex generator concepts were studied with Implicit Large Eddy Simulation. In general, the ramped-vane provided increased vorticity compared to the other devices and reduced the separation length downstream of the device centerline. In addition, the size, edge gap and streamwise position respect to the shock were studied for the ramped-vane and it was found that a height of about half the boundary thickness and a large trailing edge gap yielded a fully attached flow downstream of the device. This ramped-vane also provided the largest reduction in the turbulent kinetic energy and pressure fluctuations. Additional benefits include negligible drag while the reductions in boundary layer displacement thickness and shape factor were seen compared to other devices. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Characteristics Of Energy Dissipation In Hyperconcentrated Flows

An equilibrium equation for the turbulence energy in sediment-laden flows was derived on the basis of solid-liquid two-phase flow theory. The equation was simplified for two-dimensional, uniform, steady and fully developed turbulent hyperconcentrated flows. An energy efficiency coefficient of suspended-load motion was obtained from the turbulence energy equation, which is defined as the ratio of the sediment suspension energy to the turbulence energy of the sediment-laden flows. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of energy dissipation in hyperconcentrated flows. A total of 115 experimental runs were carried out, comprising 70 runs with natural sediments and 45 runs with cinder powder. Effects of sediment concentration on sediment suspension energy and flow resistance were analyzed and the relation between the energy efficiency coefficient of suspended-load motion and sediment concentration was established on the basis of experimental data. Furthermore, the characteristics of energy dissipation in hyperconcentrated flows were identified and described. It was found that the high sediment concentration does not increase the energy dissipation; on the contrary, it decreases flow resistance.

Inverse Analysis Determining Interfacial Properties Between Metal Film And Ceramic Substrate With An Adhesive Layer

In the present study, peel tests and inverse analysis were performed to determine the interfacial mechanical parameters for the metal film/ceramic system with an epoxy interface layer between film and ceramic. Al films with a series of thicknesses between 20 and 250 mu m and three peel angles of 90 degrees, 135 degrees and 180 degrees were considered. A finite element model with the cohesive zone elements was used to simulate the peeling process. The finite element results were taken as the training data of a neural network in the inverse analysis. The interfacial cohesive energy and the separation strength can be determined based on the inverse analysis and peel experimental result.

Analysis of Behaviors of Shock Focusing in the Inner Cavities of Double Wedge and Cone

The mechanisms of shock focusing in inner cavities of double wedge and cone are compared with that of traditional curved-surface shock focusing. The results show that there are many high temperature regions just behind shock surface which appear in two place alternately, one is near the surface of wall and the other is near the centerline. Also, changes in temperature, pressure, energy and power of the high temperature regions were analyzed and the results show that energy and power per unit volume increase, but total energy and power in the high temperature regions decrease during the process of shock moving forward the apex of double wedge or cone.